Meet the tech startups driving retail innovation in 2019

January 9, 2019

Tens of thousands of people from across the retail world are about to come together in New York City for NRF 2019: Retail’s Big Show. Now in its third year, the Innovation Lab features a curated group of startups with the technology to help retailers meet the needs of consumers in 2019. Here’s a quick look at the startups in this year’s Lab.

The Amazon factor

These startups are leveling the retail playing field in a post-Amazon world.

Caper has developed a smart self-checkout cart that allows customers to toss items in and leave the store, giving retailers the ability to replicate the Amazon Go experience without the enormous existing infrastructure. So far, Caper has forged successful partnerships with grocers in New York City.

Tompkins Robotics has developed the first portable sorting system with autonomous mobile robots — making automation in supply chain and order fulfillment easy and scalable for retailers big and small.

Glympse gives consumers the power to track their packages in real-time, get an ETA on deliveries and arrange curbside pickups.

SO1 has developed a fully autonomous and self-learning promotion channel that efficiently influences individual purchase decisions. The platform is currently live in Germany and is expanding into the United States this year.

Sustainability at scale

Retailers are always looking for ways to make their businesses and products more sustainable, while still being able to meet demand. These startups can help make it happen.

Perfitlyis an AR/VR platform that lets shoppers see themselves in specific garments and find the right look and fit for them, helping retailers reduce the huge cost and waste that comes with return shipping.

Afresh Technologies recommends what retailers should stock up on — and what they won’t need — through AI-powered demand forecasting, boosting profits and reducing CO2 emissions in the process.

AWM Smart Shelf uses real-time data to do things like promote discounts on products before they expire and cut down on paper waste with specialized LED displays. AWM Smart Shelf is working with retailers including Walmart, ShopRite, Stop & Shop and Toys “R” Us in Canada.

The robots are coming (really)

In 2019, mannequins will be robots, models will be virtual and consumers will always get the perfect fit when buying new clothes. These startups are changing fashion in 2019.

Euvekamakes connected and scalable robot-mannequins that allow garment makers to create, produce and sell garments in the exact size they want.

Allure Systems helps online stores such as Chantelle and GoSport cut down on product image costs by creating photo shoots with digital models.

Mirow creates smart mirrors that let customers shop from the fitting room, boosting sales by almost 10 percent and giving retailers more unique information on their customers. Mirow is in pilot phase with several leading fashion brands including Puma.